Accessing Child Care Expansion and Sustainability Supports (ACCESS)

About

ACCESS is a partnership between Reinvestment Fund and Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), with funding from Vanguard Strong Start for Kids Program™. The program aims to increase the number of children receiving care in positive learning environments in Childcare Map (CC Map) persistent high-need neighborhoods by supporting STAR 1 and 2 providers with longstanding community backing to invest in their facilities and move up in the STARS system.  

The program offers facility grants along with coaching and technical assistance supports.

STARS Movement Facility Improvement Grants  – Application Due 2/20/26

These grants support STAR 1 and 2 childcare providers in Philadelphia currently involved in quality improvement initiatives and looking to make facility improvements, such as purchasing additional furniture or completing minor renovations. Applications for the next two cohorts will be available in January 2026 and January 2027.

Applications are currently open through February 20, 2026. Apply here. 

• Create an account on our Grants Platform, SmartSimple. (See Instructions to create an account)
• Log in and click on “Current Funding Opportunities”
• Click on “ACCESS STARS Movement Facility Improvement Grant”
• Save and return to your application under “Draft LOIs and Applications” on your Home Page

Program Supports:

• Planning Supports: If accepted into the program, participants receive personalized facility scans to co-develop quality improvement/sustainability plans, and then, create a capital investment plan. Cohort participants meet together regularly for peer learning and receive ongoing individualized support from ACCESS project staff.
• Capital Supports: Projects supported are with a $30,000 capital grant based on identified facility needs. Grants of up to $50,000 may be considered for facilities with critical needs. Projects are professionally monitored through construction inspection.

Eligibility:

• Licensed STAR 1 and 2 child care programs in Philadelphia
• Small business/nonprofits
• In good standing with DHS
• Serving their community for 2+ years
• Site ownership or lease for three years from ACCESS application date
• Demonstrated strong community backing
• Programs with promising business practices, aligning with best practices in child care financial management
• No delinquent business taxes owed or tax liens on property (if owned)

Priority consideration will be given to sites in CC Map persistent high-need neighborhoods, and to centers with a licensed capacity of 40+.

Coaching to Success

Coaching to Success   

• The Coaching to Success (C2S) community of practice offers a free resource open to providers city-wide.  Providers who are interested in participating in a broader community of practice are  invited to participate in this peer learning group to connect to sustainable resources. 

The Expansion Accelerator (TEA)

• This intensive 9-week program prepares providers to navigate a high-quality facility expansion and includes immersive workshops with expert consultants and one-on-one coaching. You’ll learn how to identify the right location for growth, assess the pros and cons of renting vs. buying, and develop a strategic business plan that reflects your strengths and goals. Whether you’re planning to expand soon or preparing for future opportunities, this program will give you the tools and confidence to move forward with clarity and purpose.
• Stay tuned for a next cohort in spring 2026.